Focaccia bread is a classic Italian bread known for its olive oil-rich crust and soft, fluffy interior. It’s a versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own, used as a sandwich bread, or paired with soups and salads. Making focaccia at home may seem intimidating, but with this simple recipe, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results. The key to a perfect focaccia lies in the dough’s texture, the olive oil used, and the baking method. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious homemade focaccia bread that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients for Perfectly Baked Focaccia Bread
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing and drizzling)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make Perfectly Baked Focaccia Bread
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Make the Dough:
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Drizzle olive oil in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it down to fill the pan evenly. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Toppings:
- Using your fingertips, make dimples all over the dough. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with dried rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt.
- Bake the Focaccia:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the most common flour used in baking due to its versatility. It has a moderate protein content, which helps give the focaccia its structure and texture.
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is a crucial ingredient in bread-making, as it helps the dough rise and develop flavor. Active dry yeast needs to be activated in warm water before adding it to the dough.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and flavor to the focaccia bread. It also helps create a tender crumb and a crispy crust.
Salt: Salt not only enhances the flavor of the bread but also helps regulate the yeast’s activity and strengthen the dough.
Herbs: Dried rosemary and thyme add a savory aroma and flavor to the focaccia. You can customize the herbs to your liking or omit them altogether.
Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate and ferment the dough. It also adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
Coarse Sea Salt: Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top of the focaccia before baking adds a crunchy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious focaccia bread that rivals any bakery’s. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize it to your taste. Enjoy this bread warm from the oven, or use it to make sandwiches or serve alongside your favorite soups and salads.
